How Much Does It Cost To Make a 300-Page Book?

A 300-page book is a major project that demands serious planning, time, and yes, a budget.

In 2025, creating a polished 300-page book can cost anywhere from $600 to over $50,000, depending on how much of the process you handle yourself and how much you outsource to professionals. The length of the book increases not only the content workload, but also the expectations of your readers, editors, and the publishing platforms.

Whether you’re writing a comprehensive memoir, a thought leadership book, a detailed nonfiction guide, or a novel with depth, this blog walks you through the real costs of producing a 300-page book—from writing and editing to design, publishing, and printing.

What Qualifies as a 300-Page Book?

A 300-page book generally equates to 75,000 to 90,000 words, depending on the trim size, font, and formatting. That’s a full-length manuscript, on par with most traditional nonfiction titles or mid-length novels.

This length is ideal for:

• In-depth memoirs or autobiographies
• Comprehensive business books or how-to guides
• Historical nonfiction or personal development titles
• Literary and commercial fiction

Books of this size come with higher expectations from readers. They expect structured storytelling, deep insights, and a polished, professional experience. That means longer books naturally cost more to create, not just because they’re longer, but because they require more attention to structure, flow, and reader engagement.

A.    Full Cost Breakdown to Create a 300-Page Book

Let’s explore each core component involved in producing a professional 300-page book and what it may cost.

1. Writing the Book

• DIY Writing: Free (only your time)
• Ghostwriting (75,000–90,000 words): $25,000 to $60,000+

Ghostwriters typically charge by word count, complexity, or by project. A 300-page book takes months of collaboration, interviews, outlining, and multiple revisions. It’s a time-saving, results-driven option for entrepreneurs, executives, and individuals with a story but not the time or writing skill to handle it themselves.

2. Editing

Longer books demand multiple rounds of editing to ensure quality.

• Developmental editing: $2,000 – $5,000
• Copyediting: $1,000 – $2,500
• Proofreading: $500 – $1,000

Editing costs rise with page count and complexity. Developmental editing is essential to refine structure and pacing, especially in memoirs or nonfiction. Copyediting polishes language, while proofreading cleans up final errors.

3. Cover Design

A book of this size needs a strong cover to match its professional value.

• Premade cover: $100 – $200
• Custom cover design: $400 – $1,000+
• High-end design (branding/agency): $1,500+

Print books require a full-wrap design—front, spine, and back. The spine size is determined by page count, so this isn’t optional for longer books.

4. Interior Formatting

Formatting is critical for readability and printing compatibility.

• DIY (Reedsy, Vellum, Atticus): Free – $250
• Professional formatting: $300 – $700

A 300-page book includes more complex formatting—chapters, headings, images (if any), and clean page layout. Ebook formatting (especially for long nonfiction) may be priced separately.

5. ISBNs, Copyright, and Metadata

• ISBN: $125 for one or $295 for 10 (Bowker, U.S.)
• Copyright registration: $45 – $65
• Barcodes and metadata: Free – $50 depending on platform

Some platforms like Amazon KDP offer free ISBNs, but owning yours gives you full control over distribution and rights.

6. Publishing Platform Setup

• Amazon KDP: Free to publish, revenue split on sales
• IngramSpark: ~$49 setup per format (often waived with promo codes)
• B&N Press, Draft2Digital: Free setup, royalty-based models

These platforms offer global distribution, meaning your 300-page book can be available in print and eBook worldwide with minimal upfront fees.

7. Printing and Distribution Costs

The longer your book, the more it costs per copy to print.

Print-On-Demand (Amazon KDP / IngramSpark):

• Paperback (B&W interior): $5.50 – $8.00 per copy
• Hardcover: $10 – $15 per copy
• Color interior (if needed): $15 – $25+ per copy

Bulk Printing (Offset or Short Run):

• Great for events, bookstores, or client gifts
• Lower cost per copy (under $4) but higher upfront cost

Print-on-demand is still the most popular and cost-efficient method unless you’re ordering 500+ copies.

B.    Realistic Budget Ranges for a 300-Page Book

Here’s how different publishing approaches impact your overall cost:

Publishing Path	Estimated Cost (USD)	Best For
DIY / Low Budget	$600 – $1,500	Writers with time, design skills, and basic tech ability
Professional Self-Publishing	$4,000 – $8,000	Authors wanting professional editing and design support
Outsourced / Ghostwritten	$15,000 – $50,000+	Entrepreneurs, speakers, or memoirists hiring end-to-end help

Choosing the right path depends on your timeline, skill level, and publishing goals. Even a modest investment can yield a professional-looking book if planned wisely.

C.    Why Longer Books Cost More to Produce

It’s not just about page count—it’s about everything that goes into those pages. Here’s why a 300-page book demands a higher budget:

• More editing hours to review structure, pacing, and clarity
• More formatting effort, especially for print
• Higher print costs, both for proofs and final runs
• Larger design files, requiring more attention from cover designers
• Higher reader expectations, so polish and professionalism matter more
• Longer turnaround time, for ghostwriters and service providers

A longer book also needs a strong narrative arc and reader engagement over a longer stretch. That means more planning, deeper research, and often professional support.

D.   Cost of Hiring a Ghostwriter for a 300-Page Book

Hiring a ghostwriter is the most expensive part of the process—but also the most valuable for busy professionals.

For a 75,000–90,000 word book, expect:

• Experienced ghostwriter: $25,000 – $40,000
• Bestselling or agency ghostwriter: $40,000 – $60,000+

Services typically include:

• Planning/outlining
• Interviews and research
• Chapter drafts
• Revisions and final manuscript
• Some may include formatting or even publishing support

If you’re short on time but want to bring a serious book to life, a ghostwriter is often the smartest investment.

E.    Printing and Distribution Costs

Once your book is ready, it’s time to get it into readers’ hands.

Print-On-Demand (POD):

• Easy setup (Amazon KDP, IngramSpark)
• Pay only when you order or sell
• Author copies available at cost + shipping
• Royalty splits depend on pricing model (typically 35%–70% of sale price)

eBook Distribution:

• Free to publish
• eBook conversion: $150 – $300
• Distributed through Amazon Kindle, Apple Books, Kobo, and more

For a 300-page book, it’s wise to offer both print and eBook formats to maximize reach and sales.

Conclusion

A 300-page book is no small feat—it’s a serious commitment of time, energy, and resources. But for authors with a big message, complex idea, or legacy to share, it’s worth every step.

Depending on how you publish and who you hire, expect to invest anywhere from $600 to $50,000+ to create a polished, professional 300-page book. Whether you’re going the DIY route or outsourcing to a team of experts, remember that your book is more than just content—it’s an asset with long-term value.

Plan ahead, set a budget that fits your vision, and don’t underestimate the impact a well-made book can have on your credibility and future opportunities.

 

FAQs

Q1: Can I publish a 300-page book under $2,000?

Yes, if you write and format it yourself and use budget-friendly tools. However, you’ll likely compromise on editing, design, and polish unless you already have those skills.

Q2: Is a longer book better for credibility or sales?

Not always, but readers often associate longer books with deeper authority—especially in nonfiction. What matters most is clarity, quality, and value, regardless of page count.

Q3: How long does it take to complete a 300-page book?

If you’re writing it yourself, expect 6–12 months from draft to publication. Ghostwriting projects typically take 4–8 months depending on the scope and collaboration.

Q4: Do ghostwriters charge per word or per project?

Both. Some charge per word ($0.50–$2.00/word), others offer flat project rates based on length, complexity, and timeline.